It was bound to happen sooner or later. Much good has come from it as has the bad. I do miss the days when people surfed for the pure love of it, and had no thoughts of making money off of it. Having said that, I'd much rather be getting paid to surf the world then working 9 to 5 at just about 100% of most other jobs.
I think pro-surfing is sold out in the sence that its changed the average persons (non-surfer) perception of what or who a real surfer really is. All the pro stuff and big sponsors have worked their hardest to turn surfing from counter-culture to popular culture.... which is amazing if somebody now pays you to surf.... but for the majority of surfers its just a headache.
with companies like Nike now getting into surfing and the action sports industry, there is sure to be changes in the popular perception of the sport. Having more money into the industry has its benefits and challenges, but having said that, I wouldn't mind if Nike wanted to spend some money on advertising on Swellinfo!
I completely agree with Charlie no one surfs for the love of it anymore everyone thinks they surf. and just do it or say they do it to prove something. And again now your only good if your sponsored or your pro being pro means nothing....just surf to surf!
The bad: - crowded breaks The good: - more people who care about water quality - more sales dollars allow companies to develop better equipment
